total internal reflection

Total internal reflection

When a light ray strikes the interface between two mediums, it is refracted through an angle that depends on the index of refraction of each material and the ray’s angle of incidence, as measured relative to the normal (perpendicular) between the surfaces. At the critical angle of incidence (Θ), light is refracted such that it just remains within the original medium, as shown in ray B. For any light ray, such as C, that strikes the interface at a larger angle, all of the light is reflected internally. For angles less than the critical angle, such as A, some of the light passes through into the second medium.